Introducing Will Knott
The Australian Lutheran College (ALC) has a diverse group of students who are on a pastoral ministry journey. This month, we meet Will Knott, a student enrolled in a Diploma of Theology who lives in South Australia.
Will is married to Kelly, and together they have six children. He is employed by Gawler Lutheran Church to plant and grow a church at Immanuel Lutheran Primary School, Gawler. While Will is currently working as a lay worker, he intends to commence a Specific Ministry Pastor pathway, which will eventually enable him to serve as a pastor in his local setting.
Will’s journey at ALC
‘I have always wanted to study the Bible in depth and gain a deeper understanding of the word of God and how it impacts my life and the lives of those around me. To not only read the word of God but to consume it and be changed by it, is my heart’s desire. Studying at ALC has given me the ability and guidance to study the Word correctly with other passionate people who love to teach the Word of God in its fullest.
‘The lecturers at ALC are very professional and considerate of each student. I come from outside the Lutheran denomination, which has not prevented or hindered my learning or experience in any way. I have felt loved, heard and seen, which has helped me grow in my understanding of the Bible and God’s plan for my life.
‘Through my studies at ALC, I have gained a deeper understanding of the Word and a desire to pursue the deeper things of God. I have gained confidence in asking questions and studying the Bible for myself rather than relying on someone else’s understanding or perspective. Studying at ALC continues to confirm my call to ministry. ‘It is one thing to read the Bible, but to study it is another thing altogether. To fully immerse yourself in the Word is akin to taking a breath for the first time!
‘If you’re considering studying the word of God and desire to take your faith to a deeper level, whether for ministry, lay work, or just to gain a deeper understanding, I recommend studying at ALC.’
Planting a church and growing connections
Will’s role as a church planter involves outreach, equipping and being the bridge between the school and church.
New Life Church was officially opened as a church plant of Gawler Lutheran Church in January 2024.
Since then, the team has worked alongside the Immanuel Gawler school community to build connections to faith, belonging and a sense of community where everyone is seen, welcomed and valued. The three focus areas for 2026 have been prayer, relationships and community.
Will’s role as church planter is a dual role. He arranges services and leads worship, as well as delivering the sacraments while the congregation is in a pastoral vacancy. The congregation is looking forward to welcoming Pastor Damien Martin as its pastor in 2027.
Will is also the Mission and Ministry Leader at Immanuel Gawler Primary School, where he has the opportunity to lead devotions with staff and students throughout the week, as well as the weekly Worship and Praise services. New Life Church meets each Sunday in the school hall and works to reach the school community with the love of Jesus.
What brings you joy in your role?
‘One of the greatest joys in my role is teaching young children about Jesus. Often, as adults, we take for granted our ability to recall lessons we learnt at Sunday school. The reality we face today is that fewer and fewer children attend church, where the fundamentals of their faith are taught and cemented in their core values and beliefs.
‘To have the chance to sow seeds of faith and understanding into the hearts and minds of younger generations, knowing that when they are older they will draw from the lessons they have learnt, brings me great joy.
‘Another joy is walking alongside the staff and families of the school. So many people in our life and around us wake up each day without hope, without an eternal peace, who search for God in all the wrong places.
‘As Christians, we often forget that faith in Jesus and his saving grace bring life even in our darkest days. Imagine waking up without knowing God, without knowing what Jesus has done for you, with no hope for the future and no relief in sight. This is how people in our world wake each morning when they do not know Jesus.
‘My joy is sharing Jesus and his love with those who don’t yet know him.’
What are some challenges in your role?
‘One of the challenges I have faced in my role is misunderstandings about the church’s intentions behind outreach activities and their purpose. People sometimes ask what the reason for an event is. My reason is simple: to build positive connections and relationships with people in the school community and spread the love of Jesus to as many people as are willing to hear it!
‘Unfortunately, we live in a culture that is sceptical of the church. We aim to be a change factor that brings meaning and life back to those who are sceptical. We want to love those around us without an ulterior motive or agenda, other than loving them as Jesus loves them.
‘One of my favourite quotes from Heidi Baker, a missionary who serves in Africa and around the world, is: “Love the one in front of you.” No matter who it is, love the one in front of you!’
How can we, as a District, be praying for you?
‘We would love prayer for God’s Word to be proclaimed to each family.
‘In December, we will be hosting our first Messy Church event, called Messy Christmas, run by Joanne Chamberlain. We are looking forward to reaching school families in this way. We pray this event, and future Messy Church events, will reach the school community and open a way for families to engage with the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
‘Another prayer is for more hands and feet. We are a growing church in need of more volunteers who are willing to serve in a church focused on reaching the young families of Gawler.’
This article has been adapted, in part, from an article originally published on the Australian Lutheran College (ALC) website https://alc.edu.au/connect/news/connect-with-a-student-4/
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